Law enforcement officials have requested the public’s assistance as they continue to search for the vehicle involved in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident that resulted in the death of a young man from Colts Neck, New Jersey.
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, 27-year-old Brookdale Community College student Jeffrey Michel was the victim of a hit-and-run accident that occurred at approximately 8:20 p.m. on Route 37 in Toms River just two short weeks ago. Investigators at the scene recovered blue pieces of debris, which they later identified as belonging to the two-door model of a Jeep Wrangler produced in 2013, 2014, and 2015.
Coincidentally, Michel was also the subject of a case of alleged police brutality involving Brookdale Community College police officers. Although Michel was recorded on a video that allegedly documented officers using pepper spray on him during his arrest, the accused members of the police force were cleared by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
With regard to Michel’s recent tragic death, the driver of the vehicle may be charged with vehicular homicide if he or she is identified. In addition, hit-and-run accidents are among those principally involved in motor vehicle personal injury lawsuits, as they often result in devastating injuries and even death.
If the victim of one of these pedestrian or motor vehicle accidents dies as a result of an incident, his or her family may have grounds to file a wrongful death claim on that person’s behalf. As such, Michel’s family may file civil charges against the driver if he or she is apprehended. With the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney, those left behind may be more likely to obtain just compensation for their lost loved one.
As investigators continue to search for the person responsible for Michel’s untimely death, they have asked that anyone who may have information about a blue Jeep Wrangler produced in or after 2010 with damage to the front passenger side immediately alert Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Michael Proto at 732-232-7240 or Toms River police traffic safety Officer Ken Thomas at 732-349-0150 ext. 1314.
For more information about this case, view the following article: Authorities seek vehicle involved in fatal Toms River hit-and-run